The Concept of ‘Fundamental Adult Competency’: In Light of the Lowering of the Age of Majority to 18

Abstract

With the reduction of the legal voting age for national referendums and public elections to 18, the age of majority in the Civil Code was also lowered from 20 to 18. Young adults aged 18 and 19 were legally empowered to enter into contracts independently. However, this change also exposes them to the potential risks of debt and financial liability. Recognizing that many young adults may lack adequate legal knowledge, the concept of “Fundamental Adult Competency” was introduced as a framework for educating them. This framework provides essential knowledge about the nature of contracts and emphasizes basic obligations that come with full social and economic membership in civil society. This paper examines the implications and importance of this “Fundamental Adult Competency” approach.departmental bulletin pape